The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in partnership with the Government of Germany, has reported continued progress in restoring essential infrastructure and services in conflict-affected regions of Iraq, particularly in Anbar and Sinjar.
The initiative is part of the Local Infrastructure in Rural Anbar (LIRA) project, which aims to rebuild critical public services damaged during years of conflict and displacement. The program focuses on improving access to housing, water, roads, and basic utilities for returning and resettling communities.
Recent updates show that the third phase of the project has now been completed, improving living conditions for more than 62,000 people across Anbar and Nineveh Governorates. This phase included the construction of 130 shelters, rehabilitation of 130 war-damaged homes, and restoration of 10 water stations. It also included training programs for local residents and civil servants to support long-term infrastructure maintenance.
Across all three phases of the project since 2020, nearly 557,000 people have been reached. The cumulative work includes the rehabilitation of more than 2,200 shelters, restoration of multiple water stations, repair of road infrastructure, and installation of solar-powered street lighting across rural areas. In addition, hundreds of local workers and officials have received technical training to support sustainable rebuilding efforts.
Earlier phases of the project also delivered significant improvements, including the rehabilitation of nearly 1,000 shelters in Phase Two alone, along with expanded water access and improved road safety infrastructure through solar lighting installations.
The program is funded through Germany’s development bank KfW and implemented by UNOPS as part of broader international efforts to support post-conflict recovery in Iraq. Officials involved in the project emphasize that rebuilding essential infrastructure is key to enabling displaced families to return to their communities and restore normal livelihoods.
The initiative also incorporates sustainability and inclusivity measures, including climate-conscious design and efforts to involve women in project implementation and community development activities.
UNOPS and German representatives describe the project as a long-term investment in stability and resilience, aimed at helping communities recover from displacement while rebuilding essential public services needed for daily life.
